How to Plant Crocus Bulbs for Spring

Crocuses are beautiful spring flowers that are traditionally purple and yellow in color. They usually grow to a maximum height of around 6 inches and they're some of the first flowers to pop their heads through the winter snow. You can expect to see crocuses blooming in February and lasting through about March. They're classified as hardy perennials, which means that they come back every year and hold up well in colder conditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small garden trowel
• Crocus bulbs
• Kitchen compost or organic mulch

1. Hit the local garden supply store between August and September and make sure to ask the sales clerk for spring varieties like Pickwick or Twilight. Look for solid bulbs, healthy looking bulbs that are about 1 inch in diameter.

2. Locate a space in your yard where there's plenty of direct sunlight and good soil drainage. Crocuses look great along walkways and against the home. Crocus bulbs tend to grow best in plant hardiness zones 1 through 9. If you're not sure what zone you're in, ask someone at your local garden supply store.

3. Prepare the soil in the fall months. Work in organic compost from your kitchen. Start saving compost ingredients in a plastic bag and work them into the soil.

4. Chill your crocus bulbs for 4 weeks. Plant them in the ground if the temperature in your area is below 50 degrees F for at least 4 weeks. If you live in warmer climates, you can also chill bulbs in a refrigerator or dark, indoor area as long as it's consistently below 50 degrees F.

5. Plant crocuses 3 to 5 inches in the ground. If you live in a colder climate, consider planting crocus bulbs 1 to 2 inches deeper. Be sure to space the bulbs roughly 3 inches apart so they have plenty of room to grow.

6. Gently remove weeds around the emerging plant in the spring. This helps rid your crocus plants of competition for the soil's nutrients, and makes for a better looking bed of flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• As a rule you should divide hardy crocus bulbs every 4 years. This allows more room in your garden and also helps ensure healthy blooms and root systems.
• If you're on a budget, scoop up tons of crocus bulbs. They're colorful and they're among the least expensive of the spring bulbs.
• Cut the foliage back to 1 inch after the flowers have bloomed and died back.